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How Much Do EMTs & Paramedics Make?

October 25, 2017

If you’re entertaining becoming a paramedic or EMT in the future, we’ve put together this little salary guide just for you! Take an in-depth look at what we can expect from job growth and salaries of this position will look like for the coming years.

Emergency Medical Techniciansare those who respond to emergency situations and evaluate patients at the scene, treating them, and assisting in their transport to a nearby medical facility. These healthcare professionals spend the majority of their time in ambulances and medical helicopters, racing to the next urgent situation.

Their primary responsibilities include administering CPR and oxygen, treating diabetic patients and those who are undergoing an allergic reaction, and safely transporting patients to the proper facility. More advanced functions they may perform include administering medications, starting intravenous lines, and on-scene care for trauma patients.

How Much Do EMTs & Paramedics Make?

Use the table at the end of this article to find out whether your state, or the state you eventually want to work in, pays its EMTs above or below the national average.

As represented in the graph below, EMTs and paramedics can expect to earn a median hourly wage of $18.67, or $38,833 per year:

Return on Investment for EMTs & Paramedics

In order to become an emergency medical technician/paramedic, you must first complete a basic EMT course, then earn the required certification determined by your state, and complete advanced EMT training which consists of 36 hours of coursework. Compared to some other healthcare professions, like physicians, you can become an EMT without taking out much debt, but your salary potential is significantly lower.

Best States for EMT & Paramedic Salaries

A major factor in determining what your salary may look like is the location in which you plan to work. However, this principle applies to nearly all occupations largely due to the varying cost-of-living rates across the country.